2019 Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 Gains An Additional 23HP

The Mercedes SLC is showing its age and the automaker hasn’t given it much attention since they introduced the renamed SLK back in 2015.

While the company has unveiled a handful of special editions since then, it hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from suggesting the SLC is getting the axe. Mercedes has also been tight-lipped about the model but that’s changing today as the company has revealed it will be receiving a handful of updates in the United States.

The 2019 SLC 300 largely carries over as Mercedes says the car will only receive new standalone options. These include an ambient lighting system, blind spot assist and a Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 sound system. Customers can also order an analog clock and a Parktronic system.

Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine carries over and continues to produce 241 hp (180 kW / 244 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission which enables the roadster to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.8 seconds.

While the SLC 300 is largely untouched, the Mercedes-AMG SLC 43 features an upgraded engine that now produces 385 hp (287 kW / 390 PS). The company didn’t mention additional performance specifications but the 2018 model had a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 with 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 384 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque. This likely means the 2019 model will be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than 4.6 seconds.

Besides the upgraded engine, the AMG variant comes with additional standard equipment including a dual-zone climate control system and active LED headlights with automatic high beam assist. Lastly, the SLC 43 can be ordered with a new Graphite Grey exterior.

The updates are welcome but the future of the SLC remains up in the air. US sales fell to 2,860 units last year and the company has only sold 1,046 SLCs through May. However, the model is faring better in Europe where sales actually increased to 7,879 units in 2017.